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curiosity question
Yahoo Message Number: 142274
just "thinking out loud"..as I'm traveling back to Oregon, I always see people with their headlights on during the day, both for added safety [I guess], and I assume the old idea that leaving headlights on when driving long distances is better for the battery..[over charging?]. Not sure why this old idea has evolved, but I know my folks always had theirs on when we traveled long distances.
 IS there a benefit from doing this for the battery? And since I have both my bkup camera and my GPS unit drawing power as I drive, does that mean I don't have to have my lights on ..?

Just curious...:-)

And I want to add my sincere condolences to Mike S.....I was so shocked to read of Lisa's passing..I can't imagine ANYTHING stopping that lady..she was a fount of energy and smiles. I am truly sorry to hear of her untimely departure.

Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."

Re: curiosity question
Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 142276
"I always see people with their headlights on during the day, both for added safety [I guess], and I assume the old idea that leaving headlights on when driving long distances is better for the battery..."
 I suspect that dates back to a time of much cruder charging circuits. But no matter. Isn't safety alone enough of a reason? Daytime running lights (DRL) are required in new vehicles pretty much worldwide because of their proven safety benefits. Only in the US are they allowed but not required, mainly due to lobbying by some automakers. (GM, to its credit has always favored DRL.)

I always have my headlight on while driving.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: curiosity question
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 142278
We don't always travel with our headlights on if we're on an Interstate.
But we do if we're on a two-lane road, or other road that is not divided.

Linda Hylton
Linda Hylton

Re: curiosity question
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 142279
I is just for safety and comes directly installed on newer vehicles in Canada

Best regards,

Andrew

Re: curiosity question
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 142282
Back in the "old" days, cars used generators instead of alternators.
Voltage regulation was very poor, and you could easily overcharge your battery.  There is no need for that with a modern vehicle.  Running lights during the day are for safety, and is why most new cars have daylight running lights that are on all the time.

Dick

Re: curiosity question
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 142283
Quote
"just "thinking out loud"..as I'm traveling back to Oregon, I always see people with their headlights on during the day,"

Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
Gini
 Many of the newer generations of cars, such as my Honda CRV, have 'daytime running lights'. Turn on the ignition and you've got lights, not quite as bright as the night variety but they are 'ON' none the less.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: curiosity question
Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 142284
Well, another cynical way to consider the daytime headlights is that it is a collusion of headlight manufacturers to have the lights on so they burn out more often!  Next will be requirement to honk horns constantly.  Didchaeverthinkofthat?!  Cheerios.  JB

Re: curiosity question
Reply #7
Yahoo Message Number: 142286
They are running at about 30% of full power during the day, so their life will not be shortened appreciably; also, they are halogen bulbs and have very long lives, even with the DRL feature. Even if I bought new bulbs every year, instead of every 15 years, it would still be pocket change in the couch compared to gasoline, tires, and the other operating expenses!

Eric Greenwell

John Boles wrote, On 8/27/2013 1:48 PM:
2005 Jayco 24SS

Re: curiosity question
Reply #8
Yahoo Message Number: 142287
"Many of the newer generations of cars, such as my Honda CRV, have 'daytime running lights'. Turn on the ignition and you've got lights, not quite as bright as the night variety but they are 'ON' none the less."
 Our 2013 Accord has LED running lights that are completely separate from the headlamps.  The other night I drove several miles on the running lights not realizing that the headlamps were not on.  I was really surprised at how much light they put out.  Also surprised that I didn't get stopped driving around with no headlamps or tail lamps.  I put the headlamps back on automatic so that won't happen again.

Dick

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: curiosity question
Reply #9
Yahoo Message Number: 142288
The primary reason today for driving with headlights, or running lights if you have them, is safety.  This is most important on a two lane highway.  Drivers approaching will see you easier.  Biggest difference is in inclement weather or on curvy roads.  It is also easier to notice vehicles approaching from the rear when they have their lights on.

Dale 2005 FL & 2000 Cherokee


Re: curiosity question
Reply #11
Yahoo Message Number: 142290
Almost on topic.  I am starting to explore ways to get more light from the E450.  I have an o7 and so far found out that higher watt bulbs are a no go because that is just not enough power to make a difference.  Anyone seen anything that works well?
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath

Re: curiosity question - now better headlights on E450
Reply #12
Yahoo Message Number: 142296
Quote
Almost on topic.  I am starting to explore ways to get more light from the E450.  I have an o7 and so far found out that higher watt bulbs are a no go because that is just not enough power to make a difference.  Anyone seen anything that works well?

At the suggestion of Larry Wade, I swapped out the original headlamp bulbs for Sylvania halogen bulbs. I believe that's what they are. If Larry reads this, maybe he will chime in. The lights seem to be brighter and more focused to me. Like most of us, I don't do much night driving.

Chris H '02 30'IB
Formerly: 2002 30' IB



Re: curiosity question - now better headlights on E450
Reply #15
Yahoo Message Number: 142352
Here is a link for you.
 http://www.hidxenonconversionkit.com/e-450-super-duty/fog-lights-complete-hid-conversion-kit-for-ford-e-450-super-duty-2007/

Best regards,

Andrew

Quote
On 2013-08-29, at 9:40 AM, "Andrew" andrewmccluskey@...> wrote:

Sorry I see u posed the year and model I will see what I can find.

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On 2013-08-28 05:26:52 +0000 chorst_2000 chorst_2000@...> wrote: